I switched to Nextcloud. This is my experience with my own server

Why should a user manage your own cloud services? After all There are companies that make their servers available for free.For us to edit documents, communicate with each other, or keep our files?

What is Nextcloud

Nextcloud es an open source platform that allows exchange between different people and devices. To compare it with proprietary platforms it is like having your own Google Drive / Calendar / Photos on your own server.

Your web interface allows you to upload and download files, manage the calendar, and view photos. In the app store you have programs that greatly expand the functionality with, among others; Epub readers, media players, maps for device tracking etc.

Regarding timing, In the case of Linux, I recommend you install the application in Appimage format (The Snap store client is usually out of date). Y on Android the official application. You can find both this version and the one for Windows, Mac and mobile devices here

If you want to sync between devices, the Android client will recommend using a paid app, install it instead. open sync that will work perfectly.

OpenSync has the advantage that it also syncs with Google calendars. But, if you prefer to use an open source calendar app, I recommend monthh.

For my part, I installed two more applications:

Carnet: A multimedia notes application. The application is installed in the Nextcloud app store, in the Google application store for mobile and the desktop client from here.

A task manager called Task in the app store and OpenTasks in Google (they are two different applications but they are synchronized. I did not install one on the desktop.

The requirements

Nextcloud it you can install on your usual Linux distribution and use with your home network, or in a Raspberry Pi device. In the case of opting for an external server, making a recommendation is a bit more complicated. Since the offers are not standardized, the best thing is that you ask a trusted provider who recommends you to build your own installation by Nextcloud.

In general you will need:

• A web domain: Since it will be for internal use, you don't need a .com, you can use any of the other terminations that are on sale.
• An SSL certificate. Browsers are getting tough on sites that don't use the HTTPS protocol. Ask your provider if they allow you to install a free one like the ones provided by Let's Encrypt.
• Linux Server: Web servers that run under Windows tend to be more expensive.
• PHP version 7.2 or higher and the ability to install additional modules
• Possibility of creating and managing databases.

I have seen some offers of hosting plans with Nextcloud installed but they did not describe the configuration, so I am not in a position to evaluate them. Usually you should aim for what is known as VPS hosting which have more configuration options without being as expensive as the Cloud

The vast majority of providers ooffer a control panel with wizards for database creation Some includeSome type of Script collection like Softaculous that automate the Nextcloud installation process.

Why did I switch to Nextcloud

Long ago I counted History from CollegeHumor, a site that suddenly lost its profitability by abandoning its own platform and trusting Facebook. Also I talked from Code Spaces, a code storage service attacked by cybercriminals that caused its users to lose all stored work.

Although do not give up completely on proprietary alternatives (especially when it comes to interacting with other people) I want to be sure that my primary option is under my control.

IImplementing our own open source solutions is like growing our own vegetables. The result is very satisfactory, but first you must invest a lot of effort, time and money.

I am lucky that I like technology and I don't mind spending my free time looking for answers on the Internet and installing, deleting and reinstalling. But for a freelancer who needs every minute of their work time to make ends meet, and all they want in their spare time is to watch Netflix, I will not recommend itto. Nor if you are an SME and you have to pay overtime for the training of your staff.

Having said this, I want to clarify that there are free open source alternatives based on Nextcloud for users with modest needs. We will discuss them in a later article.

Problems and inconveniences

So much my experience with the Softaculous installation script as well as the Nextcloud web installer were very pleasant. I had to ask my provider to install an additional PHP module and nothing else.

The problem I still have to solve is that of the installation of the office suite. One of the options (Collabora Online) requires installation on a separate server. As for OnlyOffice, I can't install it. Apparently it is a problem with the memory allocated to php.

As well I have to adjust some things in the database to be able to use emojis in the messaging client. But overall, I am satisfied.